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Mobile laboratories for water & soil testing to be started for farmers: Shyam Singh Rana

Chandigarh, January 22

Haryana’s Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said keeping in view the convenience of fish farmers, the state government has decided to start three mobile water testing laboratories. This laboratory will be in a van and will go to the farmers and test the water and soil quality of their ponds.

While giving this information today, Sh. Rana said due to saline water in some places in the state, farming has become difficult there, due to which it has become impossible for farmers to get produce from their land. In view of this problem, farmers are being encouraged to rear prawns in saline water. This will not only make good use of their land, it will also give them a good income from prawn farming.

He said financial assistance is also being given to farmers for fish farming. During the year 2024-25, under the scheme sponsored by the State Government, financial assistance of Rs 254.29 lakh was provided to the Scheduled Caste families for fisheries alone. During the year 2024-25, about 1750 shrimp/fish farmers have also been insured under the Group Accident Insurance Scheme.

The Fisheries Minister further informed that the data of about 5567 fish/shrimp farmers has been uploaded on the National Fisheries Digital Platform portal by the Fisheries Department.

He said through the three mobile water testing laboratories, the soil and water will be tested by visiting farmers’ ponds. Approval to purchase these vans has been received from the Chief Minister, and soon after purchasing them, the work of testing water and soil will be started.

Diamond Jubilee Jamboree of Bharat Scouts and Guides to begin from January 28

Chandigarh, January 22

The Diamond Jubilee Jamboree of Bharat Scouts and Guides will be held from January 28 to February 3, 2025 in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.

This programme is a major part of the year-long events celebrating 75 glorious years of Bharat Scouts and Guides. About 20,000 Scouts and Guides from across the country as well as 1,000 international participants from the Asia-Pacific region and other countries will participate in it.

Giving information, Chief National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides and State Chief Commissioner, Haryana, Dr. KK Khandelwal, IAS (Retd) said this organization is a major national movement dedicated to youth empowerment and community service. The event, themed ‘Sashakt Yuva, Viksit Bharat’, aims to celebrate youth empowerment, cultural exchange, and leadership development under the timeless ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family. He informed that 875 Scouts and Guides from Haryana will participate in this Jamboree.

Dr. K.K. Khandelwal said he presented his latest book ‘Organizing Scouts and Guides Jamboree’ to the President. The book encapsulates best practices and organizational strategies for large-scale gatherings, further enriching the tradition of knowledge-sharing within the Bharat Scouts and Guides. He also requested the President to grace the event as the Chief Guest.

Haryana State Data Centre to undergo planned downtime for 2 days

Chandigarh, January 22

The Haryana State Data Centre (HSDC) will undergo a planned downtime from 12.01 am on January 25 (Saturday) to 11.59 pm on January 26 (Sunday) as part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade and maintain its IT infrastructure.

A spokesperson of the Citizen Resources Information Department said during this period, citizens may experience temporary disruptions to certain online services, including Saral Services, PPP related services, Aadhaar authentication services etc. These online services will remain affected and shall not be accessible directly or through Common Service Centres (CSC) from 12:01 am on January 25 to 11:59 pm on January 26. The team will work diligently to minimize the impact and ensure that all services will be restored as soon as possible.

The department said it apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the understanding of the users as it works to improve its systems.

Fortis Mohali holds Cervical Cancer Awareness Initiative for School Children

Chandigarh, January 21

Fortis Hospital Mohali, today organised the grand finale of ‘Illustrate to Eliminate’, a cervical cancer awareness initiative at the Rose Garden Underpass, Sector 17. As part of this initiative, Fortis Hospital Mohali organised a poster-making and slogan-writing competition for students across the Tricity schools. The winning artworks have been exhibited at the Rose Garden Underpass in Chandigarh from January 21st to 26th, 2025.

The winners in different categories were; Mannan Kaur Cheema of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh in Poster Making (Class 9 and above); Nehmat of Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Mohali in Poster Making (Class 7 and 8); Nikita of DAV Mohali in Slogan Writing Competition.

As January is being observed as the Cervical Cancer Awareness month across the world, to mark the same, Fortis Hospital Mohali conducted the awareness drive to educate people about the importance of timely HPV Vaccination and regular screening to prevent Cervical Cancer in women.

An awareness session led by Dr Shweta Tahlan, Consultant, Gynae Onco-Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, was also organized in the Amphitheatre during which all the winners and participants were felicitated.

Emphasizing on early detection of cervical cancer, Dr Tahlan, said, “Every woman should be careful enough to notice any unusual changes in her body and seek a consult immediately. Early stage of cervical cancer may not produce any symptoms. However, symptoms may include postcoital or intermenstrual vaginal bleeding, irregular periods, postmenopausal bleeding, persistent or foul-smelling vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. Early cervical cancer can be treated through surgery alone, and one may avoid undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Imaging such as CT scan, MRI or PET-CT as per requirement, besides tissue biopsy is done while managing a patient with cancer.

Dr Tahlan further highlighted the importance of HPV vaccination in beating cervical cancer. “The ideal age for vaccination of girls is 9-14 years of age, though the catch-up vaccination can be done till 26 years of age. Vaccination done in childhood or adolescence helps to prevent against cervical cancer in later years of life.”  Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer. Doing both things together – HPV vaccination for young girls and cervical screening for every woman above 25-30 years – can prevent majority of cervical cancers. Together we should work on its elimination on goals given by WHO, she added.


About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.

92,885 migratory birds of 85 species spotted in Himachal’s Pong wetlands

Pong Dam: A total of 92,885 migratory birds of 85 species have already been observed in Pong, one the largest man-made wetlands in the foothills of the Himalayas in the picturesque Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, and their number would increase in the next few weeks.

This came to light during the visit of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu at the Pong Dam in Kangra district.

The Chief Minister was informed that the number of migratory birds visiting Pong Dam this year has risen significantly. As of December 2024, a total of 92,885 migratory birds have visited and the count is expected to cross one lakh by the end of this month.

In comparison, 85,000 birds visited the dam from October to January the previous year. On an average, 100 species of migratory birds visit Pong Dam annually.

In this season 85 species have already been observed, an official statement said.

Flying thousands of km from their native habitat in high-altitude lakes in Central Asia to avoid the extreme winter chill, the elegant shaped bar-headed geese, an endangered migratory bird species, regularly descend on India.

The Pong Dam wetlands have emerged as their preferred wintering ground. Besides doing bird watching, Sukhu along with his Cabinet colleagues visited ancient temples at Bathu-Ki-Lari, located on one of the islands of Pong wetlands.

The Chief Minister said this area has immense potential for tourism and the government is making significant efforts to promote tourism in the region.

The Pong wetlands, some 250 km from Himachal Pradesh’s capital Shimla, and 190 km from Chandigarh, are home to many native birds like the red jungle fowl, large Indian parakeet, Indian cuckoo, bank mynah, wood shrike, yellow-eyed babbler, black ibis, paradise flycatcher, crested lark and the crested bunting.

Sukhu said migratory birds from Siberia and Mongolia flock to the Pong Dam, attracting visitors from across the country.

He directed the Forest Department to ensure the safety of these birds. For the convenience of tourists, two boats have already been deployed and two more speed boats would soon be added to facilitate the visitors.

Additionally, basic facilities for tourists would be developed in the area. The Chief Minister said the government’s initiatives have led to an increase in tourist footfall in the region, with nearly 30,000 tourists visiting the area last year.

“Efforts are underway to introduce water sports activities at the Regional Water Centre (near the Pong Dam barrage) to boost tourism in the area,” he said.

He said in Basa under the Jawali Assembly constituency a Wildlife Interpretation Centre has been established at a cost of Rs 3.20 crore to provide educational resource material. He said this centre aims to create awareness about the importance of conservation and the remarkable migratory patterns of these birds.

Haryana Sets Timeframe for Issuing Temporary and New Electricity Connections

Chandigarh, January 20:

The Haryana government has set the time limit for issuing temporary connections, new connections, or additional load under the Right to Service Act, 2014 for LT supply, excluding the Agriculture Pumping (AP) category.

Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi has issued a notification to this effect.

Now, temporary connections, new connections, or additional load will be issued within 3 days in metropolitan areas, 7 days in other municipal areas, and 15 days in rural areas from the receipt of complete applications, fees, and documents.

Old vehicles to be scrapped and recycled in Haryana: Rao Narbir Singh

Chandigarh, January 20:

Haryana government has notified the Vehicle Scrappage and Recycling Facility Incentive Policy 2024 registered in the state. The initiative will enable proper disposal and recycling of old vehicles while promoting environmental sustainability through reduction of pollution.

Sharing more details in this regard Industries and Commerce Minister, Rao Narbir Singh said that after the NGT fixed the passing limit period of 10 years for old diesel vehicles and 15 years for petrol vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR), the number of condemned vehicles is continuously increasing and in view of this, the Haryana government has taken this decision.

He emphasised that this initiative of the government will enable vehicle parts, recycling and reuse, contributing to both environmental protection and economic growth. Vehicle owners will also get financial benefits, and the public will get relief from parking condemned vehicles on roads, streets and other public places, said the Minister.

The Industries and Commerce Minister said that the state government plans to implement the policy as an industrial scheme, offering capital subsidies or state GST reimbursement to new industrial units. Under the policy, the Department of Industries and Commerce will develop a 10-year land leasing module through the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), he added.

Haryana CM announces establishment of Horticulture College and Hockey AstroTurf in Naraingarh

Chandigarh:

In a major boost to education and sports infrastructure in the region, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, on Monday, announced the establishment of a Horticulture College and Hockey Astroturf in stadium in the Naraingarh Assembly constituency. The college will be affiliated with Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, Karnal, and is expected to provide world-class education and research opportunities in the field of horticulture to the youth of the region. Announcing the installation of a Hockey Astroturf at Badagarh stadium, he also stated that high-mast lights will be installed to ensure hockey players can continue their practice sessions even after evening.

The Chief Minister made these announcements while addressing a public meeting at Naraingarh Assembly constituency today. 

Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced that the state government will review the physical report of ‘Naraian Talab’ and submit it to the Pond Authority to ensure its renovation and restoration. He also declared the four-laning of the road from Patarheri to Shahzadpur – Naraingarh. To improve local infrastructure, the CM allocated Rs 10 crore for the repair and renovation of PWD roads in the constituency. An additional Rs 5 crore was announced for the repair of roads under the Marketing Board. In addition, he also announced Rs 5 crore for the development of villages within the Naraingarh Assembly constituency. He highlighted that community centers have already been constructed in around 45 villages and assured that similar facilities will be provided gradually in the remaining villages.

Cooperative sugarmill to be set up soon in Naraingarh to benefit farmers

The Chief Minister said that the state government had already announced the establishment of a cooperative sugar mill in Naraingarh. Acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers, he said that the government has actively discussing their issue and formed a committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary is personally overseeing the issue, and three meetings have already been held in this regard. The Chief Minister said that either the existing mill will be established as a cooperative sugar mill, or an alternative cooperative mill will be set up. This decision will be implemented soon to ensure that the farmers of Naraingarh and surrounding areas do not face any further difficulties.

On this occasion, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 10 development projects in the Naraingarh Assembly constituency, with a total cost of Rs 43.28 crore. Of these, 7 projects worth Rs 22.23 crore were inaugurated, and the foundation stone for 3 projects worth Rs 21.05 crore was laid. The inaugurated projects include the construction of several new link roads, as well as the widening and renovation of existing roads. In addition, the Regional Horticulture Research Centre in Chandsoli, under Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, Karnal, was also inaugurated. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new bus stand, the renovation of the workshop, the laying of drinking water pipelines in new colonies of Naraingarh, and the strengthening of the drinking water distribution system.

Possession and documents of 100 square yard plots to be handover soon to one lakh eligible beneficiaries

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that, in the first phase, he would soon hand over the possession and documents of 100 square yard plots to one lakh eligible beneficiaries. In addition, Apart from this, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, the government will transfer funds directly into the bank accounts of approximately 77,000 eligible beneficiaries within this year. He further stated that officers have been instructed to conduct a survey to identify those who were previously left out, ensuring that all eligible families receive their houses under the scheme.

Rs 770 crore spent for development of Naraingarh assembly in last 10 years

Listing the development works carried out over the past decade in the Naraingarh Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister said that the present government is ensuring all-round development of the state in alignment with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Sath-Sabka Vikas and the spirit of Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek. He highlighted that approximately Rs 770 crore have been invested in the expansion of road infrastructure, educational institutions, sports facilities, establishment of PHCs and CHCs, upgradation of the civil hospital, construction of power substations, and the construction and renovation of bridges over rivers in Naraingarh over the last 10 years.

24 Crops being purchased at MSP in Haryana

Chief Minister said that all 24 crops are now being procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the state. He also said that Rs 1,25,000 crore have been transferred to the bank accounts of 12 lakh farmers for crop purchases so far. Acknowledging the hardships faced by farmers due to inadequate rainfall during the Kharif season, the state government provided about Rs 1,000 crore as a bonus of Rs 2,000 per acre to support them.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that in a significant step, the government has also abolished the abiana system, which had been in place since British times. The Chief Minister further highlighted various other initiatives aimed at benefiting farmers, youth, kidney patients, senior citizens, women, and people from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Backward Classes (BCs).

MLA Smt Shalley Choudhary, former Minister Sh. Assem  Goyal, former MLA Dr. Pawan Saini and Smt. Santosh Sarwan, BJP district President Sh Mandeep Singh Rana, Chairman Sh. Dharambir Mirzapur and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

CS Stresses Effective Implementation of Special Swachhta Campaign and Administrative Reforms

Chandigarh, January 20: Haryana Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi has called for the effective implementation of the Special Swachhta Campaign, running from January 1 to January 31, 2025, to promote cleanliness and hygiene across the state. Dr. Joshi emphasized the importance of thorough reviews of central government schemes to ensure full utilization of funds for development and welfare. He was reviewing various schemes with the administrative secretaries here today.

During the meeting, Dr. Joshi reviewed the state’s cleanliness initiatives, underlining the campaign’s role in enhancing office efficiency and proper record maintenance. He highlighted the alignment of this campaign with the broader Swachh Bharat Mission led by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and spearheaded in Haryana by Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini.

Digitization and Administrative Efficiency

The Chief Secretary stressed the need to accelerate the adoption of e-office systems to streamline government operations. He directed Administrative Secretaries to prioritize the digitization of records to improve communication, reduce delays, and enhance productivity.

Focus on Grievance Redressal and Legal Matters

Dr. Joshi directed officers to expedite the resolution of public grievances through the Samadhan Portal, developed under the guidance of Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini. He also emphasized the need to promptly address pending High Court cases and ensure timely execution of judicial decisions.

Cabinet Agendas and Vigilance

In a push for greater administrative efficiency, Dr. Joshi instructed that cabinet meeting agendas be submitted on time and  both English and in Hindi. He reviewed previous Cabinet decisions and urged departments to assess their implementation progress. He also reviewed service matters related to Scheduled Caste employees and vigilance cases, stressing the importance of fair and timely resolutions to uphold transparency and integrity within the administration.

HARPATH Application Revamp

The Chief Secretary announced plans to revamp the HARPATH application, a GIS-based tool aimed at making Haryana’s roads pothole-free. The upgrade will enhance user experience and improve efficiency in addressing road-related issues, ensuring safer roads for citizens.

Monitoring of Major Projects

Dr. Joshi highlighted the need for regular monitoring of large projects under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. He urged continuous monitoring to ensure timely progress, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth in Haryana.

Addressing Child Malnutrition

The Chief Secretary directed the Women and Child Development Department to focus on tackling child malnutrition, particularly stunting and wasting.

 Interdepartmental Coordination

Dr. Joshi invited suggestions from Administrative Secretaries to improve interdepartmental coordination, reinforcing the state’s commitment to efficient governance.

Hockey Astro Turf to be constructed in village Badagarh, Ambala at Rs. 14 Crore: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, January 20 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while speaking at the Haryana Kabaddi Khel Mahakumbh event held in village Badagarh, Ambala district, announced the construction of a Hockey Astro Turf at the Badagarh Sports Stadium. The project, valued at Rs. 14 crore, will also include the installation of floodlights at the stadium. In addition, Rs. 5 crore will be spent for the renovation of sports stadiums in village Laha and Village Bichpadi.

During the event, the Chief Minister presented awards to the winning teams in both the men’s and women’s categories of the Kabaddi Mahakumbh, recognizing those who secured the first, second, and third positions.

Congratulating the players, the Chief Minister said that Kabaddi is not just a game of physical strength, but also one of strategy. He highlighted how India, with the strength and skill of its athletes, is emerging as a dominant force in the Olympics and other international sports competitions, with Haryana’s players making significant contributions. He also mentioned that 11 talented athletes from Haryana were recently honoured by the President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu, including one player who received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, ten who were awarded the Arjuna Award, and one coach who was honoured with the Dronacharya Award.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana has long been a stronghold for traditional sports such as Kabaddi, wrestling, and boxing, with its athletes bringing fame to both the state and the nation through their success in national and international competitions. He also said that Haryana’s reputation in sports has made it a favoured location for Bollywood, with films like Dangal and Sultan celebrating the achievements of the state’s male and female athletes.

He said that Haryana has consistently excelled in the field of sports. Out of the 6 medals won by India at the Paris Olympics 2024, 5 were secured by players from Haryana. In the Tokyo Olympics 2020, 30 players from Haryana participated, contributing 4 out of India’s 7 medals. The state’s performance in the Asian Games has also been remarkable. In the 2022 Asian Games, 82 players from Haryana took part, winning 28 of India’s 111 medals. Similarly, Haryana athletes dominated the Commonwealth Games as well. At the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, 43 players from Haryana competed and brought home 20 medals.

Chief Minister ShNayab Singh Saini said that the state government has implemented the Haryana Utkrisht Khiladi Sewa Rules 2021 to ensure secure employment for exceptional athletes. As part of this initiative, 550 new positions have been created in the Sports Department, and 224 players have been provided with government jobs.

Haryana is the first state in the country to offer the highest cash prizes to medal-winning athletes. To date, the state has awarded a total of Rs. 593 crore in cash prizes to players. In addition, honorariums are being provided to 298 athletes who have delivered outstanding performances.

He said that in recognition of the growing sports culture in the state, the government has committed to providing a medical insurance cover of Rs. 20 lakh to every player, as outlined in the Sankalp Patra-2024, to promote and support the welfare of athletes. In addition, incentives of Rs. 50 lakh, Rs. 30 lakh, and Rs. 20 lakh will be awarded annually to the top three Akharas at the state level. At the district level, the three best Akharas will receive Rs. 15 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh, and Rs. 5 lakh, respectively.

During the event, the Chief Minister also honoured the women’s Kabaddi team from Hisar, which secured first place in the Haryana Kabaddi Mahakumbh, as well as the teams from Rohtak (second place) and Gurugram and Ambala (third place), by presenting them with trophies and prizes.

Similarly, in the men’s Kabaddi competition, the Gurugram team, which secured first place, the Hisar team, which secured second place, and the teams from Rohtak and Ambala, which secured third place, were also honoured with trophies and prizes. The team finishing in first place received a prize of Rs. 2 lakh, the second place team received Rs. 1 lakh, and the third-place teams were awarded Rs. 25,000 each.

On this occasion, Principal Secretary of Sports Department, Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, Director General Sh Sanjeev Verma, and other dignitaries were also present.